BI336 Molecular Cell Biology Course Overview and Chapter Notes

BI336 Molecular Cell Biology Course Overview

  • Instructor: Dr. Matthew Smith
  • Department: Biology, Wilfrid Laurier University
  • Term: Winter 2026
  • Schedule: Monday and Wednesday, 10:00 AM - 11:20 AM, Room N1044

Land Acknowledgement

  • Acknowledgement of Indigenous peoples: Neutral, Anishnaabe, and Haudenosaunee.
  • Discusses the Dish with One Spoon Treaty emphasizing shared territory and resource protection.
  • Reference to the Haldimand Tract and Haldimand Proclamation that granted land settlements to Six Nations post-American Revolution.
  • Noted demographical context: Six Nations now occupy less than 5% of their original territory.

Contact Information

  • Office Location: BA401-B
  • Email: msmith@wlu.ca
  • Drop-in Office Hours: Friday 10:00-11:00 AM or by appointment.

Instructor Background

  • Education:
    • BSc in Biology from Laurier
    • PhD in Biology from University of Waterloo
  • Research Experience:
    • Postdoctoral work at Rutgers University and University of Massachusetts.
    • Specialization in Molecular Plant Cell Biology and Biochemistry; focusing on protein targeting and import into chloroplasts, and membrane protein structure and function.
  • Teaching Roles:
    • Courses taught include BI110, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology.
    • Serving as Chair in Biology Department since 2004.

Course Context

  • Prerequisites:
    • BI226: Genetics & Molecular Biology
    • BI236: Cell Biology
  • Course Compatibility: Complements BI341 (Lab Methods in Cell & Molecular Biology) and contributes to the Cell, Molecular Biology, and Genetics Concentration.
  • Course Focus: Eukaryotic molecular and cellular biology including:
    • Cell signaling
    • Regulation of gene expression
    • Intracellular protein trafficking

Course Goals and Learning Objectives

  • Intended outcomes include:
    • Familiarity with molecular cell biology literature
    • Improvement of biological literacy
    • Skills in data analysis and integration
    • Ability to communicate complex biological concepts
    • Experience working within a team context.

Required Textbook and Resources

  • Textbook:
    • Molecular Biology of the Cell, 7th Edition
    • Format Options: E-book + Smartwork access (optional, $122.16), Smartwork access only (optional, $57.75).
    • Note: Opt-out of one option by Jan 19.

Learning Management System (MyLS) Usage

  • MyLS will be utilized for:
    • Posting syllabus and lecture slides
    • Providing textbook and Smartwork links
    • Announcements
    • Grade book and submission Dropbox.

Lecture Format and Style

  • Mode: In-person course with a traditional lecture style.
  • Expectations: Slide presentations will primarily feature figures with minimal text; students should take notes.

Lecture Slides

  • Lecture slides will be posted on MyLS before the lecture but should not be considered a substitute for note-taking or textbook reading.

Smartwork Online Assignments

  • Access to Smartwork is required; assignments will be available throughout the term.
  • Penalties: Late submissions incur a 10% penalty per day; lowest score will be dropped for final grading.
  • Assignment Opening: Chapter 1 & 2 Smartwork Problem Sets due January 18.

Assessment Breakdown

  • Assessment Types and Weightings:
    • Online Smartwork Assignments: 20%
    • Spotlight Assignment: 20%
    • Small Group Mini-lecture: 10%
    • Midterm: 20%
    • Final Exam: 30%
  • Submission Dates and Details:
    • Requests for religious accommodations must be submitted by Jan 20.

Spotlight Summary Assignment

  • Assignment involves summarizing a peer-reviewed paper in the style of Journal of Cell Biology “Spotlights.”
  • Due dates for various milestones are specified, with the final version due March 30.
  • Specific guidelines on peer-reviewed paper selection and submission processes.

Small Group Mini-Lecture Assignment

  • Creation of a 15-17 minute mini-lecture on a molecular cell biology topic in small groups.
  • Assessment includes peer review and relevant exam questions.

Chapter Outlines and Contents

Chapter 1: Cells, Genomes, and the Diversity of Life

  • Key sections include:
    • Universal features of life on Earth
    • Genome diversification and the tree of life
    • Eukaryotes and the origin of the eukaryotic cell
    • Model organisms

Universal Features of Life on Earth

  • Hereditary Information: Stored in double-stranded DNA.
  • Replication: Templated polymerization methods.
  • Transcription and Translation Processes: DNA to RNA to protein utilized universally across cells.
  • Energy Requirements: Life necessitates continuous free energy.
  • Cellular Structure: All cells bounded by a plasma membrane enabling nutrient and waste transport.

Genome Diversification and Tree of Life

  • Recognizes three major domains: Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukaryotes.

Eukaryotic Cells

  • Features include organelles, nucleus presence; evolution through symbiotic events.
  • Evolutionary background traces legacy elements from prokaryotic ancestors, including gene transfer events.

Model Organisms

  • Key insights from model organisms such as E. coli, yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), Arabidopsis, and other animals for understanding fundamental biology.

Key Themes in Molecular Biology

  • Discuss interactions in protein synthesis, cellular communication, and gene regulation.

Various Lecture Topics

Lecture 2: Focus on Smartwork, Model Organisms, Analyzing Cells

  • Problem sets from Chapters 1 and 2.

Lecture 3: Continue with Chapter Insights

  • Detailed discussion on chapters as relevant to previous lectures.

Lecture 4: Start Deep Dive into DNA, Chromosomes, and Genomes

  • Important for understanding gene structure and function, including chromatin organization.

Lecture 5: Proteins

Protein Structure

  • Composition focused on amino acids and functional properties.

Protein Functionality

  • Description of folding, post-translation modification, and functionality in various biological processes.

Homework and Midterm Exam Preparation

  • Smartwork problem sets due dates.
  • Midterm exam overview including material coverage (Chapters 1-4, 6 & 8).

Conclusion

  • Continued reinforcement of foundational biological concepts critical for molecular and cell biology expertise.